Government service use trajectories and outcomes for Albertan youth aging out of the child intervention system

Objectives: The Child and Youth Data Laboratory’s research links government administrative data to understand the processes, supports, and resources used for youth aging out of the child intervention system in Alberta,... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives:
The Child and Youth Data Laboratory’s research links government administrative data to understand the processes, supports, and resources used for youth aging out of the child intervention system in Alberta, Canada between 2006 and 2011. Results will be applicable to education, health, and other social policy and program development.

Method:
Administrative data from five Government of Alberta ministries (Advanced Education, Education, Health, Human Services, and Justice and Solicitor General) were linked at an individual level for all 0 to 30 year olds receiving government services between 2006 and 2011. Youth (≥ 17 years old) aging out of the child intervention system between 2006 and 2011 will be profiled by key indicators, such as gender, socio-economic status, residential mobility, and Indigenous status. Trajectories of service use over time will also be explored and compared with the trajectories for youth (≥ 17 years old) from the general population.

Analysis plan:
The study will focus on the service use patterns (e.g., physical and mental health service use, financial supports, involvement in the criminal justice system) and outcomes (e.g., high school completion status, enrollment in post-secondary education) over time for youth aging out of the child intervention system.

Conclusions:
The findings will inform policies and programs designed to improve outcomes (e.g., access to educational or training opportunities, health and financial supports) of youth aging out the child intervention system.